The DF-3 (CSS-2) is China's first domestic
developed intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). After the
Soviets refused to provide China with R-12 (SS-4 Sandal) missile
design, China decided to develop their own IRBM in early 1960s.
As with the R-12, the DF-3 used storable liquid propellants and a
cluster of four engines with a total lift-off thrust of 64 tons.
The development of the missile, which began in September 1958,
proved more difficult than expected. Early firings of the DF-3
were from Shuangchengtzu during 1967.
The DF-3 provided the first stage for the follow-on CSS-3 (DF-4)
IRBM. It also provided the first stage of China's first space
launch vehicle CZ-I or Long March 1.